Luka decided his climbing story was only beginning

“Couldn't you find a sport that doesn't require all your fingers?” It is a question Luka Srebačić has undoubtedly heard countless times.

Four and a half years ago, he was seriously injured in a fire accident. As a result of his burns, all the fingers on both hands were amputated except his thumbs, which were also left severely damaged.

Many people would have thought that his climbing story had ended. Luka decided it was only beginning.

Today, he represents Croatia in para climbing. As the first Croatian para climber to compete at the World Para Series in Innsbruck, he opened a new chapter in Croatian para sport.

He says he still “works magic” on the wall. While others rest, he has to find his own way. He does not complain. He adapts. For him, boundaries are not created where the body places them, but only when our minds accept them.

His story brings Roko to mind. Last year, through Walk for Those Who Cannot, we helped obtain the orthoses without which Roko could barely move, let alone climb. Today, at just 16, Roko climbs too. Two different stories carry the same message: do not give up on yourself.

When Luka doubted whether he could climb again, a friend told him: “Come on, let's give it a try. If it works, it works.” Sometimes that is exactly the opportunity we need to give ourselves. To try, not because we know we will succeed, but because we will never discover what is possible until we take the first step.

That is why we walk—so people like Luka and Roko have more opportunities and fewer barriers on the way to their dreams. Our step can open someone's path towards the life they deserve. None of us walks alone. Different, yet the same.